Savory Taco Pasta Bake
Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes
I absolutely love making my Savory Taco Pasta Bake, especially when I want to whip up something quick yet satisfying. This dish combines all the flavors of a classic taco with the comforting texture of pasta, making it a hit for both family dinner nights and casual gatherings with friends. The best part is how versatile it is—you can easily add in your favorite toppings or substitute with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
When I first made this Savory Taco Pasta Bake, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare while still feeling indulgent. I used a mix of ground beef and black beans for protein, and it really brought a nice texture contrast. The blending of taco seasoning with the creamy cheese sauce adds a layer of flavor that's both surprising and delightful. My family couldn't get enough!
One tip I discovered is to sprinkle a bit of crushed tortilla chips on top before baking. This adds a wonderful crunch that complements the soft pasta perfectly. Don't be afraid to personalize it with your favorite taco toppings, like jalapeños or olives, and feel free to swap the meat for a vegetarian option!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bold and flavorful taco seasoning throughout the dish
- Creamy cheese sauce that binds all the textures together
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before diving into the cooking process to ensure a smooth experience.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Make sure to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences, and have fun!
Instructions
Prepare your workspace and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Mix Ingredients
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add the cooked pasta, sour cream, and milk, mixing until everything is coated.
Add to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, top with crushed tortilla chips and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Make sure to let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Pro Tips
- Experiment with different types of cheese or add a dollop of guacamole on top before serving for an extra special touch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with more black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick!
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What can I serve with this pasta bake?
It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Savory Taco Pasta Bake
I absolutely love making my Savory Taco Pasta Bake, especially when I want to whip up something quick yet satisfying. This dish combines all the flavors of a classic taco with the comforting texture of pasta, making it a hit for both family dinner nights and casual gatherings with friends. The best part is how versatile it is—you can easily add in your favorite toppings or substitute with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add the cooked pasta, sour cream, and milk, mixing until everything is coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, top with crushed tortilla chips and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- Experiment with different types of cheese or add a dollop of guacamole on top before serving for an extra special touch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g